The Bottom Line with Evan Davis

Evan Davis and guests discuss McDonalds. After a rocky period in the middle of the last decade, how well has the global burger chain managed to revive its famous fast-food formula? They also debate whether the progress of radical new technology has slowed down.

Evan Davis asks his guests if it’s time to declare a state of emergency in the world economy. They also discuss the role rumours, hearsay and speculation play in business.

Evan Davis asks his panel of top executives about the limits of automation. How far can they go in removing human beings from their business? Which processes are beyond automation? They also swap thoughts on the benefits of the corporate awayday.

Evan Davis asks his panel of top executives about the perils and possibilities of running a fast-growing business. Many a company has crashed and burned due to a failure to manage rapid growth – but what are the speed limits? They also chew over the role of the business lunch.

Evan Davis challenges his high-flying corporate guests to cast their minds forward to how the Web will look in 2020. Just what will have changed? They also consider the importance of storytelling. What business benefit is there in a good yarn?

Evan Davis asks his guests if we live in a world of short-term contracts – and other business relationships too. And he discovers how companies measure how well they’re performing. Is it just about the financial results?

Evan Davis and his panel of executives swap thoughts on the importance of having the right contacts in business. Is it who you know that counts, as the cliché goes? His guests also reveal their greatest regrets.

Evan Davis asks his panel of influential business leaders how they plan to economise in their use of raw materials. They also talk about building design - which matters more: how they look, or how well they work?

Evan Davis asks his panel of influential business leaders if now is a good time for companies to sit tight and play it safe, or to be bold and take risks. They also debate whether there's anything wrong with a touch of greed in business.

Evan Davis and his panel of top executives from the world of clothing and fashion discuss whether normal business rules apply in their world. They also talk about marketing, and the role of PR in getting their products noticed.

Evan Davis and his panel of top business executives discuss recent events in Japan, and explore to what extent companies can prepare for major disasters. They also reveal how much they really know about life on the shop floor.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss whether the economic future for countries like the UK will be flat. And as the German economy storms ahead of the rest of Europe, just what is the secret of its success?

Stephanie Flanders and a trio of chief executives swap thoughts on how successful companies manage the business of time. They also discuss if it matters whether companies keep up with current events.

Evan Davis asks his panel of top executives about the value of consumer research. Can companies learn anything useful about their consumers? They also debate whether business awards serve any purpose.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss hyperconnectivity - the idea that there are more devices in use around the world than there are people using them. How does the panel cope with the sheer mass of incoming information, and devices to carry it? And does more technology mean better communication, or just less time to think? They also consider the role of intuition when making important decisions.